Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi
Zimpapers Sports Hub
FORMER champions CAPS United are set to take their pre-season training camp to Malawi as they aim to lay a solid foundation for a potential comeback in the 2026 season.
The Green Machine, determined to revive their glory days, took a major step last week by sending a delegation to the neighbouring country to finalise camping logistics.
“The team will conduct a training camp in Malawi for two weeks in February as part of the preparations for the new season.
“Recently, there was a delegation that toured Malawi for six days to work on the camping arrangements and the other stuff. So, it’s all set,” said a club official.
Stung by a run of poor results in the ended season, the Green Machine have already started working on transforming their fortunes.
After enduring a disappointing campaign last season, CAPS United have already begun restructuring in a bid to transform their fortunes.
The club recently unveiled several new signings and reconstituted its technical team, now led by newly-appointed coach Takesure Chiragwi.
Chiragwi, a former CAPS United player, arrives with high expectations following his successful stint at Ngezi Platinum Stars.
His mandate is clear: to turn Makepekepe from relegation fighters into title contenders, with the ultimate goal of reclaiming the league crown last won in 2016 under Lloyd Chitembwe.
Pre-season camps outside Zimbabwe are not new to CAPS United, though it has been years since their last regional tour.
During their most competitive era a few years ago when they clinched the championship and reached the CAF Champions League quarter-finals, the Green Machine regularly toured countries such as South Africa, Mozambique, Malawi, and Zambia.
They rekindle the flame this February when the team returns to Malawi, where they are expected to play friendly matches against top local sides as part of their preparations.
Club president Farai Jere confirmed at the player unveiling that Makepekepe’s pre-season plans were already in place.
“We are starting our camp on January 7. We’re starting on the 7th and 8th of January with orientation and real training is going to start on the 12th.
“The team is going to camp outside the country from the 12th of February to the 29th, before the start of the season.
“All those things are already in place and where they are going to camp, the venue has already been paid and we have inspected the grounds.
“That is how serious we are in trying to return the glory days of CAPS United. We want CAPS United to go where it belongs. So, all those things are in place and they have already been done and concluded,” said Jere.
CAPS United recently announced 11 new signings to beef up their squad for the coming season.
They have raided Ngezi Platinum Stars for the signatures of Obriel Chirinda, Kudzai Chigwida, Nyasha Gurende, Delic Murimba, McDonald Makuwe, Richard Hachiro and Talent Chamboko, who joined their coach Chiragwi and team manager Tinashe Nengomasha on the way to the Green Machine.
Also joining Makepekepe is goalkeeper Wallace Magalane, midfielder Bret Amidu, slippery winger Davison Marowa, Darlington Marowa from Golden Eagles and highly-rated Malawian international Chawanangwa Kaonga.
Kaonga, who was in the books of Zambian giants Zanaco, bade goodbye to the side when he featured in his last match at the weekend, in the 1-0 win over Lusaka Dynamos.
The 30-year-old Malawian international has previously played in Mozambique and South Africa.
But before taking the trip to Zimbabwe, the Flames forward will this week sponsor a football tournament in his home country — the Mzuzu City’s Under-20 football bonanza.
The two-day tournament is set for Friday and Saturday at Mzuzu Stadium. Eight teams are expected to compete.
Kaonga said the competition will nurture young talent, encourage discipline, and strengthen local football structures.
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